Police stations are accepting weapons from residents

A two week window has opened for residents to hand in illegal firearms and ammunition to police without prosecution.

A nationwide gun surrender began on Monday, organised by the National Ballistics Intelligence Service with support from Met Police.

Each London borough now has a dedicated drop off point for weapons to be handed in.

In Bexley and Bromley the two boroughs’ main police stations, on Arnsberg Way in Bexleyheath and High Street in Bromley respectively, will be taking part in the surrender for the next fortnight.

People can hand in any firearm, including handguns, shotguns, rifles, BB guns, imitations, as well as any antique, ex-military weapons or ammunition.

Commander Jim Stokley, of the Met’s Trident and Area Crime Command, said: “We urge members of the public who may have any unwanted guns to hand them in to police to prevent them from falling into criminal hands.

“The guns we see being used in shooting incidents in London are often converted, formerly legally-owned, firearms.

“Others are acquired and distributed by criminal networks to threaten or harm their local communities.

“We know that friends, family members and girlfriends of gang members are often asked to look after firearms to hide them from police, but saying ‘it’s not my gun’ is not a defence. Illegal possession of a firearm can mean five years behind bars, and if you are found guilty of possession with intent to supply, that can lead to an even longer prison sentence.

“Each firearm we retrieve helps to reduce the threat of gun crime in London.”

The surrender will run for two weeks from Monday, 13 to Sunday, November 26. Those who would like to hand in a firearm or ammunition can check the opening times of their station in advance by visiting www.met.police.uk

A Met Police spokesperson said: “If you know of anyone involved with illegal firearms call police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers (anonymously) on 0800 555 111. For more information about NABIS visit www.nabis.police.uk or follow @NABIS_UK on Twitter.”

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